Town of Dewitt threatens eminent domain to bring down eyesore
“A broken down building in Carrier Circle could be replaced with two new hotels. First, the developer, Hampshire Hospitality, needs part of McDonald’s land for an access road.
After years of negotiations, the Town of Dewitt is now threatening to intervene and pursue eminent domain, trying to force McDonald’s to sell the targeted section of its property.
Two neighbors spoke at a public hearing on Monday, both telling town board members that they are sick of seeing an eyesore, while they wait for an agreement.
“It is a shame that our town has been held almost to a ransom over this issue of an access road,” said Pam Dooling, who lives about a mile from Carrier Circle.
Facing criticism, the Town Board is eager for demolition. But, they want the developer to pay…and that won’t happen unless access to a new hotel is guaranteed.
“We believe there are public health and safety issues at the site. The property is unsafe. There is vagrancy. There are drugs and alcohol on the site,” said Town Supervisor Ed Michalenko.
Food seems to be the sticking point…everything from what could be served at the hotel to who might serve it.
In a statement, a spokesperson for McDonald’s states, “The developer has asked for a substantial change to the business terms of the agreement that would permit the planned hotel to bring in a restaurant competitor to directly compete with the operations of our small business owner.””
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9 News SYR.com 8 December 2014.